Patek Philippe, Ref. 1450, Platinum "Top Hat", Diamond Dial, Circa 1949. ...

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Patek Philippe, Ref. 1450, Platinum "Top Hat", Diamond Dial, Circa 1949
Case: 38x21 mm, two body, platinum, French platinum hallmark on the left side, Geneva import mark on the right side and inside the case back, case back with number 335, makers mark for J. Pasteur inside the back, polished and brushed
Dial: Matte silver, applied diamond markers and white gold baton indexes, subsidiary seconds, white gold feuille hands
Movement: Patek Philippe caliber 9-90, rhodium finish, fausses cotes decoration, 18 jewels, adjusted to heat, cold, isochronism and five positions, No. 972049,
Band: Leather
Signed: dial and movement signed Patek Philippe Geneve, with Extract from the Archives

The watch is a rare example of Ref. 1450, the so-called Top Hat, with the case made in Paris by Patek Philippe's retailer. The case, according to Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives was made by the buyer. The company's policy does not allow to list the name of the buyer. However, we know that in France, there was only one Patek Philippe's retailer, Guillermin, who was trusted enough to make cases to Patek Philippe's specifications.
During the 1999 exhibition and sale The Art of Patek Philippe, the company's director, referring to watch No. 853667 retailed by Guillermin with the case made in Paris, explained that during the years following the WWII, France, to protect French craftsmen, introduced a temporary customs regulation forbidding the import or imposing huge duties on watch cases made of precious metals. During that period, French agent received only watch movements while cases were produced in Paris according to Patek Philippe specifications. This is a rare example of Ref. 1450 made in such cooperation.
What is even more unusual is the fact that the case also bears Geneva's import mark suggesting that it might have been an experimental example which the company decided to bring back.

Condition Report*: Type: Patek Philippe, Ref. 1450, Platinum "Top Hat", Diamond Dial, Circa 1949
Model: Ref. 1450 Top Hat
Dial: Matte silver, diamond and white gold baton indexes
Hands; white gold feuille hands
Metal: platinum
Case No: 335
Case Info: two body, hooded lugs
Case Length: 38 mm
Case Width: 21 mm across center
Crystal: Glass
Watch Movement: No. 972049, caliber 9-90, rhodium finish, fausses cotes decoration, 18 jewels, adjusted to heat, cold, isochronism and five positions
Band: leather, steel buckle
Circa: 1949
Condition: Movement is good and running, case is very good, dial good, refreshed

*Heritage Auctions strongly encourages in-person inspection of items by the bidder. Statements by Heritage regarding the condition of objects are for guidance only and should not be relied upon as statements of fact, and do not constitute a representation, warranty, or assumption of liability by Heritage. All lots offered are sold "AS IS".

Auction Info

2018 May 1 Watches & Fine Timepieces Signature Auction - New York #5363 (go to Auction Home page)

Auction Dates

May, 2018

1st Tuesday

Bids + Registered Phone Bidders: 10

Lot Tracking Activity: N/A

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